Imputation (genetics)

Imputation in genetics means using educated guesses to fill in the missing genetic information. Think of it like you are doing a puzzle and some of the pieces are missing. You can use the picture on the box and the pieces you do have to make an educated guess for what the missing pieces look like.

In genetics, scientists study DNA which is like the instruction manual for how our bodies work. Sometimes, when scientists look at someone's DNA, some pieces of the information are missing or are not clear. Imputation helps fill in these missing or unclear pieces in the DNA sequence.

Scientists use big computers to compare the missing information with genetic information from other people. The computer will look for patterns in the DNA sequence to make an educated guess on what the missing information may be. This is like when you play a guessing game with your friends, and you try to guess what the picture is by looking at some parts of it.

Imputation helps scientists to better understand the connection between our genes and how our bodies work. It's like finding a missing puzzle piece--it makes the whole picture clearer, and helps scientists to better understand how our genes can impact our health.